June 2019 Reads // Fairy Tales, Adventure, & Romance

HAPPY BOOK DAY!

The House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin Craig* - publishes August 6 - ARC, ebook

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy fantasy and fairy tale re-tellings. This has a bit of a horror tinge to it, fyi.

Annaleigh is one of twelve sisters. Four have already been returned to The Brine in death, along with their mother. The world claims the family is cursed, which is made abundantly clear when their father ends their mourning period abruptly allowing them to live their lives for the first time in over 6 years. At the triplet's coming out ball no one will dance with them, claiming they are cursed. When they find the sea god's door to other realms they begin attending lavish balls in different parts of the world each night. However, they wake screaming, and the youngest is seeing ghosts and drawing graphic pictures of the deceased sisters. Can Annaleigh get to the bottom of their deaths before someone kills her?

I love fairy tale re-tellings but the 12 dancing princesses is a tough one to pull off. There are SO MANY characters. This one was a little bit easier to keep up with because a few of them were dead when the book started. After just a little while I had them all more or less straight. Moving along... immediately upon starting this book I was so intrigued by the world. I loved that they are people of an island nation and how much everything in the book reflected that. Their burial customs were fascinating, their Churning festivities sounded so beautiful, the ocean is a part of every corner of this book. I was fascinated by the horror element of this book. I thought that it was very intriguing at first, and while it did drop off a bit in the middle, it continued to be a bit dizzying and exciting until the end. It definitely had it's brutal and gory moments, so it's not a sickly sweet re-telling. I loved the bits and pieces we learned about other parts of the world.... but I felt like we don't know enough as readers to really digest how it all fits together, and with the story -- making it feel just a little bit disjointed during the ending. What we did learn though, I was intrigued by! I liked the bit of romance that was included, but I liked the sisterhood just as much. There was a little bit of a mystery to solve along the way, which isn't my usual thing, but I really enjoyed and did not guess the reveal. Overall I would recommend this if you are looking for a fantasy novel that is a little unexpected and beautifully envisioned. I am especially excited about this book as it is a debut for this author.... I can't wait to see where her writing goes. Wow!

Butterface by Avery Flynn - own, ebook

3 Stars - I might recommend if you enjoy contemporary romantic comedies.

Gina is not pretty. She knows this, she's used to it, she owns it. So how does she find herself lip locked with a hot policeman at a wedding? Drunk people. Through a chain of events she finds herself lying to her (mobster) brothers saying that she is dating Ford (aforementioned hot policeman). When she finds a body in her attic, he insists on staying with her both for protection and to keep up the charade. Can someone as attractive as Ford really like someone like Gina? Can a policeman love an ugly girl with a family who has mob ties?

The beginning of this book was so funny. It was really awkward, really hilarious, and there was a lot of tension. I was excited to see the book play out... but I think that cop/fireman books just are not my thing. I felt a little bit like I was hanging out in a Massachusetts cop bar, lol. Which is maybe what it was meant to be like, but that isn't my jam... and I didn't find that super attractive in our hero. Personal preference I think. Anyhow, I felt like there was a lot going on in this one. Not only did we have fake dating, the brothers involved in questionable mob activities, and the body... we also had the renovations piece of the plot. It was just a little bit all over the place. If cops are your thing, or if you like sort of kooky plots, this might be for you. I thought it was cute enough all things considered and I like the idea of the plot and that everyone is not super model-esque. It did have some steamy scenes, that I was totally here for. Overall not my favorite, but cute. :)

Golden by Cameron Dokey - own, physical book

2.5-3 stars - I might recommend if you are looking for a middle-grade level fairy tale re-telling.

Rapunzel's mother makes a deal with a sorceress to love her daughter just as she appears, she cannot keep the promise, and Rapunzel is raised by the sorceress. When the sorceress tells Rapunzel that she has another daughter, and that Rapunzel is the only one to help save her, she must embark on a quest.

I was pretty disappointed in this one. I had seen how many re-tellings this author has written, and how highly they are rated and was so excited to make my way through them.... but this one was a let down. To start, I would classify this as middle-grade fiction, YA is a stretch for me. It is very simply written, and doesn't contain a lot of description, or action. It is mostly dialogue and Rapunzel's commentary on her own story. That is not a style that I particularly enjoy. While it was an interesting "twist" on the classic tale, it just wasn't my type of book. If you are looking for something for kids ages 8-13 this might be just right.

The Adventure Zone: There Be Gerblins by McElroy Brothers - own, physical book (KC's)

4 Stars - I recommend if you are fans of the podcast, or enjoy quirky graphic novels, or D&D.

A D&D Adventure in graphic novel form. An elf wizard, dwarf cleric, and human warrior go an an adventure.

KC is a huge fan of this podcast (and let's be honest: everything that the McElroys create), so I wanted to give it a shot. I don't have time for podcasts... and I've never had much luck making time for them (I'd rather be reading!!) and so I decided to read this without listening first. Overall I thought this was a really fun way to see D&D and (presumably a favorite podcast) come to life in pictures. I enjoyed the characters, situations, and general snark of this book. I thought it was clever how it was drawn, how new characters are introduced with pseudo-stat blocks, how characters die with a little poof callout, and how the DM pops in to sort of mediate from time to time. It took me a little while to "get" the characters, and I told KC that the humor is a little bit boyish for me. As soon as I said that he went, "yeah don't they talk about masturbating in like the first page? 'studying my cantrips?'" - LOL, which yes they do. Overall that is not my humor, but I enjoyed this all the same. I will say I liked it even more once a female character shows up, and that there were some particularly funny parts involving a German accent. Because this is D&D and it is based on the intro part of the story line... it does feel a bit like one squabble, to one battle, to one squabble.. .without a lot in between. KC says he doesn't believe this will continue, but we will see. I have requested the second part on Netgalley but have not been approved or denied.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang - own, physical book

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy heartfelt contemporary romance, with diverse characters.

Kai can't love. He doesn't have feelings. When his mother meddles in his love life and brings Esme from Vietnam to stay with him, Kai doesn't know what to do. Esme jumps at the opportunity to make her life and the life of her family better by coming to America. A tentative living arrangement turns into attachment between the two characters as the two characters get to know one another.

I adore Helen Hoang. This book is such a strong second novel for her. I thought that Kai and Esme were the sweetest characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and all of their many insecurities and flaws. I felt that this book was more serious, and a bit on the sweeter side than The Kiss Quotient, but I still loved it. It gave me all of the feels. I thought that it was a little harder to know how everyone was feeling, especially since the male character was the one who didn't know or understand his feelings. The combination of him being autistic and her being a bit more passive and unsure of her place as an immigrant made me feel a little more uncertain about their relationship and feelings. It kept me in a bit of suspense, but I did wish I could have known more of how Kai was feeling. I loved the parts with Kai and Quan and their relationship. Also, the part with Michael where they talk about sex was fantastic. So funny and sweet. I did want a bit more of the family aspect between Kai and his family though, I adored that with Michael in The Kiss Quotient. I did think that Quan and Kai had the best relationship, but it just occasionally made me want it to be Quan's book...! I am SO READY for that book. Overall I liked this and definitely recommend it. Be ready for more feels. Also, the author note ripped my heart open. So so so so sweet, and it gave the story so much more meaning post-read.

The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas - own, physical book

2.5-3 Stars - I wouldn't particularly recommend this one.

Jake is a war veteran who made a big mistake. He was discharged and now numbs his mind by taking high-paying security jobs. When Camille, a London socialite is threatened by one of her dad's many enemies Jake has no interest in taking the job. However, he decides to get a feel for the job, and ends up being her bodyguard anyhow. Camille is driven, spoiled, and desperately wants to be out of her dad's clutches. Despite Jake's dislike of Camille, and his demons he is drawn to her and the solace that she gives him. Can he save her from her dad's enemies? Can he save her from himself?

At first, I enjoyed that this sort of had a different plot to what I normally read. It was kind of a fun action-potential twist on a romance plot. I liked Jake and Cami and didn't mind the initial instalove. I was super excited about half way through for the action to pick up. I was ready for them to be on the run, hiding, maybe some car chases, etc.... but then there was just a LOOOOTTTT more sex. I don't think I've ever read a romance novel thinking there was too much sex... but guys, there was too much sex. LOL I was like, c'mon let's get on with the plot! Also, in the middle after a crazy bout of aforementioned sex HIGHLIGHT FOR SPOILER: there is just the nuttiest nuttiest scene involving a gun that made no sense. She doesn't like his gun and is scared of it, but then she's NAKED and randomly wants to shoot it...???? And then a super weird proposal. That all felt wayyy too fast. Keeping in mind that this book takes place over what seems to be several days... I feel like I would have understood or believed the intensity more if there was more action in the middle. I liked the ending overall and I just really wanted the action to be longer. I didn't expect the "twist" and thought that the last section was just adorable. So I guess the ending redeemed this enough for me to give it a 3...? Otherwise it was close to a DNF for me. Really not sure you guys, I loved some parts and really did not like some parts. It was a wacky ride.

The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews* - ARC, ebook

4 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy proper romance/historical romance.

When Phyllida Satterthwaite's grandfather and guardian dies, she is sent to live with her remaining family in London. She's always been eccentric, and seen as so because of her different colored eyes. However, in the city she becomes desirable for this trait, especially to the "sinister" Duke of Moreland. When she learns her family's plan to sell her to the Duke she must seek help from Captain Arthur Heywood a veteran and injured war hero. Arthur is wounded and unable to walk without aid, and sees that he has nothing to offer Phyllida, aside from his name.

I adore Mimi Matthews's historical proper romances. She always works so much great historical details into them, creates the most adorable characters, and the swooniest proper romances that you ever did read. This one of course, was no different. I instantly took a liking to Philly and Arthur. She was so kind and discreet in helping him, and he was surly but also always in wonder of how she treated him. I adored how their relationship progressed and thought it was really quite a lot steamier than expected. I think you could still call this "clean" but there is a lot more implied and some fade to black moments. I loved Philly's dogs, and their horses too. I generally just thought that their whole relationship was so sweet and swoony. I also liked that they were good communicators overall. I am finding hard to rank my favorites among Matthews's books, because I love all that I have read so much, but this one was definitely very strongly written. Already excited for her next one!

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo - own, physical book

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy fantasy and fairy tale re-tellings.

In a world where Sirens must steal hearts and rule the dangerous seas Lira, the princess is known as "Princes's Bane". Her collection of hearts contains only that of princes. Prince Elian makes his home on his pirate ship, and his living hunting sirens. He's never met the Prince's Bane, but fully intends to turn her into sea foam. When Lira disobey's her mother, The Sea Queen, she steals her siren song and tail from her. Lira must find a way to steal the prince's heart as a human. Meanwhile Elian hears of a legend that contains a magical key that would allow him to rid the sea of sirens all-together. Elian, Lira, and his crew of pirates embark on a journey to find the key and defeat the Sea Queen.

I have to start by saying this is one of the most solid mermaid fiction books I've read. It didn't feel hokey or weird. Sometimes the world just doesn't feel right with mermaid stories, but this one did such a good job. I was immediately fascinated by mermaids vs. sirens and their roles in the world. I adored both Lira and Elian I thought that they had such good personalities and that their friendship + was very interesting. I am a sucker for romance, but the world building had me fine with waiting for them to meet and get together. I liked how vast the world was and the different families and countries that inhabit it. I enjoyed that this book was basically one big quest as well. Overall I thought that this book was really solid fantasy. I think the last chapter should have been labeled as an epilogue because I was all thrown off by the change. I'm not sure that I loved the very end, but that's ok. Overall I thought this was captivating and a solidly different re-telling of The Little Mermaid.

A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James - own, physical book

4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy historical romance.

When Kate's beautiful (and kind) stepsister is disfigured by one of her beloved dogs, Kate must take her place with her fiance Algie, to seek the prince's approval of their impending marriage. As her stepsister is with child... that's rather an urgent task. Kate must pose as her sister, and win the prince's favor. However, prince Gabriel is much too enamored with Kate. He quickly guesses that she's not who she seems to be and seeks to take her for his own. One problem being: he's betrothed and his fiance is on her way to him. Can a prince who needs money marry whomever he wishes?

This book started a little bit slowly for me, but I really ended up enjoying it. I like that it did harken back to the original tale of Cinderella, but that it also felt different and more detailed. I liked Kate, she was really smart, witty, and knew herself really well. I really enjoyed her chemistry with Gabriel and felt like there was one particularly sultry section of this book. I was here for that. I liked the banter, banter is really fun. I enjoyed the sort of period weirdness that was the "naval battle" on the marble lake, etc. I thought that Henry was a great fairy godmother. She was sort of hysterical and much needed within this plot. The only thing that really got to me were the rejected menagerie animals. I realize that Gabriel did not choose to have them, and that royalty during this time might have collected exotic animals as "pets" but that is something I just hate. I also kind of feel like with Gabriel's down to earth nature, and desire to dig up ancient artifacts that he might have a respect for the natural world as well. I was really hoping for an extended expedition into Africa to set them all free in conjunction with a dig. I realize that will be minor for most people, but that's when I want historical romance to be modernized a bit. Overall I really liked this, and will definitely continue the series.

Monthly totals:

Read - 9
Owned - 2
Ebook - 3
Physical book - 6
ARC - 2
Library/Borrowed - 0
Bought - 24 (20 physical, 4 ebook)
To Let Go - 20

Yearly Totals:

Read - 47
Owned - 13
Ebook - 28
Physical book - 20
ARC - 21
Library/Borrowed - 9
Bought - 82 (68 physical books, 14 ebooks)
To Let Go - 32

Linking up with Jana and Steph for Show Us Your Books today. :) 

What have you been reading? What do you hope to read this month?! 

Let's be friends on Goodreads!

XO,

Alexandra

* Asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley

**Double asterisks denote books won via a goodreads giveaway! 

***Triple asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by Penguin First to Read in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Penguin First to Read!

****Quadruple asterisks denote titles that I was given advance access to by the author of the book in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time!